In 2024, Sri Lanka saw a record-breaking 312,836 individuals migrate for overseas employment, the highest number in the nation's history. This surpasses the previous peak in 2022 and reflects a growing trend in labor migration over recent years
Between 2019 and 2024, 1.3 million Sri Lankans left the country for work abroad. Of this year’s total, 185,162 were male workers, while 127,674 were female workers.
Kuwait was the top destination for Sri Lankan workers in 2024, with 77,546 individuals securing jobs there, followed by the United Arab Emirates, which attracted 51,550 workers.
Additionally, more Sri Lankans sought employment in countries like South Korea, Israel, and Japan. Statistics show 7,098 workers went to South Korea, 9,665 to Israel, and 8,665 to Japan in 2024, marking a significant increase compared to past years.
The economic impact of this migration is evident, as remittances from expatriates brought in USD 6,462 million by November 2024, playing a crucial role in supporting Sri Lanka’s economy.
